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Messages - Bob Smith
2051
« on: September 22, 2014, 01:37:06 PM »
If you have a boat parked in the yard chances are you don't live too far from the water. Too many times the water takes back the area it once used for storage during a heavy multi day rain event, but, we decided the area would make a good building site(s). If you are lucky or unlucky enough to own a boat keep it full of fuel and the tires aired up on the trailer because it could be a life saving tool for you or someone that needs your help.
2052
« on: September 22, 2014, 12:24:14 AM »
I know most of us have hooked up trailers for many years, but some people may not have ever pulled. I mostly tow pull trailers as I have a canopy on the pickup. I try to follow the same steps each time I hook up. If someone is there to help or talk about the weather I try to find something else for them to do as I want to be sure I do it right.
1. Make sure the tow rig and hitch will handle the trailers loaded weight and length and if it is a high load know how high before trying to go under a low bridge or gas station roof.
2. Be sure the ball on the hitch and the trailer coupler are the same size, and that the hitch and hitch pin are in good shape and installed properly
3. If needed either adjust the ball height or trailer coupler (if equipped) or use a drop hitch bar so the trailer sits level or slightly nose down when hooked up to the tow rig and ready to roll.
4. Check to see that the safety chains are hooked up and crossed, so if the coupler jumps off the ball the chains will catch it before it digs into the asphalt.
5. Plug in the lights, check them to be sure they all work
6. If equipped with trailer brakes make sure they are working and the controller is set up right. Hook up the emergency brake cable and check the length so it will pull out before the safety chains get tight and not be so tight it pulls out in a turn.
7. Check the tires for proper air pressure and for cuts, cracks, or bulges in the tread or sidewalls.
8. Make sure the load is secure and nothing will drop off of or blow out of the trailer . Oh and the load rating of the trailer is important so don't overload it.
9. Get in the tow rig, adjust the mirrors, and have a safe trip. If the tires are "ST trailer use only" the speed rating is 65MPH and safe life span is only around 6 years at best. There is a date code to let you know when the tire was born.
10. If the trailer wants to sway pull over and find out why. Most often there is not enough tongue weight so the load needs to be shifted forward or heavy items placed in front of the axle instead of behind it.
11. At each stop walk around and check the tires, heat build up at the spindles (other than just normal brake use), load still tied down and hasn't shifted, hitch in good shape.
2053
« on: September 21, 2014, 10:32:57 PM »
I only live a few miles from Puget Sound, my boat could be used to bug out if needed. Getting off this peninsula could be a problem by road, but I could hook up the boat trailer, throw a few things in the boat and off I would go to the boat ramp. Meals would have to be the freeze dried stuff used when hiking/hunting or I guess a few clams, oysters, crabs, fish, and wildlife next to the shore could be eaten as well.
2054
« on: September 21, 2014, 10:13:05 PM »
Depending on the need to be bugging out, and the time available I also have a 34ft. RV pull trailer which is usually stocked with food (except fresh meats, and veggies) , water, clothes, and other supplies for a couple weeks stay away from home. Here in Western Washington we need to be prepared for earth quakes too so it doubles up just fine for both.
2055
« on: September 21, 2014, 10:01:22 PM »
Well it is actually a dump trailer. It is 6ft. wide X 12 ft. long inside with 2 ft. sides. I have two sets of sideboards for it, one set adds 18 inches high and the other 4 ft. That way I can have different side heights depending on my needs.
If needed I can throw stuff inside and be hooked up and gone in very little time. With a roll out tarp for the top and a couple blue/tan tarps for the sides it can be used to stay dry and out of the wind. The important part is not to use a trailer for a garbage collection site. I guess if it dumps not so bad but if you need to unload it before you can use it to carry what you need to survive you are wasting a lot of precious time.
2056
« on: September 19, 2014, 02:50:16 PM »
Haven't started the build yet but have a mat on the garage floor to wipe your feet before entering the truck, I see what you mean Don.
2057
« on: September 19, 2014, 12:18:38 PM »
looking like it is finally happening, keep up the good work
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